Calculator
Example Data Table
This sample shows how the calculator combines smoking burden, exposure history, and symptoms into a relative risk index.
| Age | Smoking Status | Pack-Years | Radon | Occupational Exposure | Family History | COPD | Symptoms | Risk Index | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | Former | 25 | Low | Moderate | One first-degree relative | Yes | Persistent cough, breathlessness | 66.0 | High |
| 42 | Never | 0 | None | None | None | No | None | 7.0 | Low |
| 71 | Current | 45 | Moderate | High | Multiple relatives | Yes | Cough, chest pain, weight loss | 100.0 | Very High |
Formula Used
This calculator uses a weighted relative risk index. It does not estimate a confirmed diagnosis. Each factor adds or subtracts points, then the final score is capped between 0 and 100.
Age Points + Sex Points + Smoking Status Points + Pack-Year Points - Quit Reduction
+ Secondhand Smoke Points + Radon Points + Occupational Exposure Points
+ Air Pollution Points + Family History Points + COPD Points + Prior Cancer Points
+ Symptom Points))
Pack-years = (cigarettes per day × years smoked) ÷ 20
Smoking burden combines smoking status, pack-years, and years since quitting.
Symptoms raise the score faster because they may need timely clinical attention.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your age and choose your sex.
- Select smoking status, then add cigarettes per day and years smoked.
- For former smokers, enter years since quitting.
- Choose your exposure levels for secondhand smoke, radon, occupation, and air pollution.
- Add family history and medical history details.
- Tick any current symptoms that apply.
- Press Calculate Risk Index to view the score above the form.
- Download the result as CSV or PDF for discussion notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Does this calculator diagnose lung cancer?
No. It estimates a relative risk index from common risk factors and symptoms. It cannot confirm or exclude cancer and should never replace imaging, lab work, or clinical examination.
2) What does pack-years mean?
Pack-years estimate smoking burden. Smoking 20 cigarettes daily for one year equals one pack-year. Higher pack-years usually increase long-term lung damage and weighted risk in this calculator.
3) Why do symptoms increase the score quickly?
Symptoms can matter more than background exposures because they may signal active disease or another urgent problem. That is why coughing blood and unexplained weight loss receive heavier weighting.
4) Why is this a relative risk index instead of a true percentage?
Absolute cancer probability needs validated clinical models, population calibration, and detailed history. This page offers an educational index so results stay interpretable without pretending to deliver a confirmed probability.
5) Can never-smokers still have a high score?
Yes. Family history, radon, occupational exposures, chronic lung disease, and concerning symptoms can all raise the score. Never-smoker status lowers smoking burden, but it does not erase other risks.
6) Does quitting smoking change the result?
Yes. Former smokers receive a quit reduction in the formula. The longer someone remains smoke-free, the more the smoking component is reduced, though past exposure still matters.
7) When should I ignore the score and seek care anyway?
Seek professional help quickly for coughing blood, persistent chest pain, worsening breathlessness, or unexplained weight loss. Urgent symptoms deserve care even if the calculated index looks modest.
8) Can I use the result for screening discussions?
Yes. The result can help organize risk factors before a conversation with a clinician. Bring your smoking history, exposure details, symptom timeline, and downloaded summary to make the discussion clearer.